Group & Sole Use Bookings
Perfect for groups of all types
With over thirty years experience hosting a wide variety of groups, we will be delighted to work with you to tailor the perfect package for your school, club, family or other group stay.
Whether you simply want a place to stay, or are looking for an all-inclusive option, don’t hesitate to get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.
What we’re good for:
- Family reunions, birthdays gatherings other get togethers
- School, university and club excursions
- Duke of Edinburgh expeditions and training trips
- Bottom Bunk Club (Winter offer for Exclusive Use for more than 10 people)
Why choose us:
- High quality good value catering options for groups of all sizes
- Exclusive use of the hostel available for your peace of mind
- Open to DIY activity trips, helping to keep costs down
- Location ideal for easy supervision and group safety
- Excellent educational experiences nearby
- Social living experience
- Safe, friendly environment for child’s first ‘away from home’ experience
Exclusive Use bookings, where the whole Hostel is booked by one group, are governed by a separate set of Ts&Cs.
Please note that the hostel is reserved for exclusive use bookings from November to February (no individual bookings). Exclusive use may also be available at other times, please reach out to us through our Group Bookings form here.
Both for exclusive use bookings, we encourage planning visits to allow you to familiarise yourself with the hostel and surrounding area. For first time groups, we offer a free night accommodation for two people as part of the planning process.
Please reach out to us for group catering options, we are able to curate a menu for your group. Whether it’s a school group, family gathering, a birthday meal, or other special occasion, or just a hearty dinner after a big day on the hills, we love bringing people together around good food. From Christmas dinners to Burns Night suppers, we’re always happy to cook up something memorable for your group, and would be delighted to talk through options with you.
If you have any questions about your group booking please do get in touch, or to make a booking enquiry for a group of any size please use our form here.
Guest Feedback
Thank you for another wonderful residential stay for our Year 6 children. You always look after us so well and nothing is too much trouble. The children thought their accommodation was fabulous and the food delicious! We are already looking forward to coming again next year!” – Bolton Brow School
“I celebrated my 70th birthday by booking the whole hostel for family and friends for a weekend. Charlie and Andy not only keep the place spotlessly clean, but provided the substantial breakfasts and dinner on time and piping hot for a mixed group ranging from 2 to 75 years old. They kept the bar well stocked, advised on parking, things to do in the area and answered all questions with a cheery smile. All of us agreed that they helped to make our stay such a lovely and enjoyable occasion.” – Alan White
Dinner is served 🍽️
Join us from 6–8pm for a relaxed evening meal, with everything from Cumberland sausage & mash and chilli (beef or 5 bean) to curries, pasta, quiche and 12” pizzas.
Fancy something lighter? We’ve got soups, toasted sandwiches & baguettes too. And don’t skip dessert… sticky toffee pudding is calling 👀
Non-residents welcome – come in, grab a table, and enjoy!
New breakfast menu now being served! 🍳☕️
Join us daily from 7:30–9:30am for everything from a hearty Cumbrian breakfast or veggie Fell Walker, to pancakes, pastries, and breakfast sandwiches.
Pair it with our fresh bean-to-cup coffee for the perfect start to your day.
Non-residents welcome – pop in and enjoy!
We’re delighted to share that we’ve been awarded a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5-star Food Hygiene Rating! A huge thank you to our fantastic team for their hard work and commitment to maintaining the highest standards.
We’re also excited to introduce our refreshed dining experience, with new menus and a more relaxed, café-style approach. You can now enjoy:
🥐 Breakfast served between 7:30am – 9:30am
🍽️ Evening meals available from 6:00pm – 8:00pm
It’s all about great food in a more casual, welcoming setting.
Keep an eye out for more posts coming soon as we showcase our new menus… we can’t wait for you to try them!
A fantastic effort from Jen and Rich, completing this year’s first Elterwater Hostel 23 Before Tea round in 8 hours 35 minutes.
The day was also a recce for Jen’s planned attempt to break the female record later this year — so watch this space.
Best of all, they were welcomed back to the hostel with tea and sticky toffee brownie, which sounds like just about the perfect finish.
Well done both!
#ElterwaterHostel #23BeforeTea
Bring your group together around the breakfast table!
There’s something special about starting the day with good friends, good food, fresh coffee, and time to connect before the day’s adventures begin.
When you stay with us as a group, you can add our buffet breakfast served in a relaxed space to gather and plan the day ahead, perfect for walking groups, school trips, retreats, corporate teams, or friends exploring the Lakes together. Fuel up, slow down, and start the day right together.
Get in touch to add group breakfast to your booking!
Part 3: The Reveal
And here it is…..
Our new reception, bar servery and refreshed lounge/dining space are complete and we couldn’t be happier with the result.
Lighter, warmer colours, a more open layout and a calmer, more relaxed atmosphere from the moment you walk through the door.
It’s now a space to check in, grab a drink, sit back, and feel at home.
We’d love to know what you think and even better, come and see it for yourself.
Post 2: The Build, From idea to reality
With the old reception removed, work began on creating a new modern, multi-functional space – bringing together reception, bar servery and a more open connection to the lounge and dining area.
Behind the scenes there’s been a lot of careful planning, building (and a fair bit of dust!) as the new counter took shape. Every decision was about making the space more practical for our team and more welcoming for our guests.
Nearly there…
Refurb Part 1 - The Strip Out!
Big changes start with brave decisions… and this was one of them.
We’ve said goodbye to our original reception cubicle to make way for something much more open, flexible and welcoming.
It’s served us well over the years, but it was time to rethink how this space works for our guests today.
This was the first step in transforming our reception and lounge into a place that feels warmer, more relaxed and better suited to how people really use the space.
Watch this space 👀
We are very pleased to be ranked 1st in TripAdvisor top 5 Hostels in the Lake District.
With an average 4.9 out of 5, based on around 375 reviews,
Small, friendly and tucked away in one of the prettiest valleys in the Lakes, it draws rave reviews for its “relaxed”, “homely” feel and “big breakfasts”.
In November, one reviewer gave the hostel a five-star rating on TripAdvisor. “Excellent venue for outdoor activities,” they said.
“The hostel is clean, well-equipped, comfortable, warm, and all the staff are welcoming and most helpful.”
Read the whole article here:
https://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk/news/25809020.best-hostels-lake-district-ranked-tripadvisor/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook#Echobox=1769961366
Think hostel food = sausage & mash? Think again…
Our GM may say he’s a great chef…
…but after this 40th birthday feast, we’re inclined to agree 👀🔥
🥩 Tomahawk steak
🍖 Lamb rumps
🥔 Dauphinoise potatoes
✨ Very happy guests
Got a group staying with us? Fancy something a bit special?
We love an excuse to get creative in the kitchen
Happy Birthday Alfred Wainwright
A man who shaped how we see and walk the Lake District, with a legacy deeply rooted in the Langdale Valley.
His love for the fells lives on in every path explored and every quiet moment enjoyed.
At Elterwater Hostel, we’re proud to be part of the landscape he inspired so many to cherish.
Cold, snowy days here in the valley but that hasn’t stopped us cracking on with a big project behind the scenes.
Lots of hard work happening despite the weather and it’ll all be worth it.
Keep an eye out for updates coming soon…
